What
is obsessive compulsive disorder?
Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a type of anxiety disorder where
individuals have repeated, unwanted thoughts, images or impulses
(obsessions) that generate anxiety. To reduce anxiety of the obsessions
or to prevent the thoughts, individuals with obsessive compulsive
disorder perform rituals or routines known as compulsions.
Taking up hours of a person’s day, these obsessions and compulsions
can significantly interfere with everyday living at home, work,
school or in social situations. People with obsessive compulsive
disorder usually recognize their obsessions and compulsions are
unrealistic and excessive, but seemingly have little or no control
to stop them.
The symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder are the obsessions
and compulsions. Common obsessions of obsessive
compulsive disorder include:
- Fear of dirt or contamination by germs
- Fear of causing harm to others
- Fear of making a mistake
- Repeated doubt
- Unacceptable sexual thoughts
- Need for order or symmetry
Common compulsions of obsessive compulsive disorder
include:
- Repeating actions, such as washing hands or cleaning
- Checking and rechecking that something has been done, such
as turning off the oven
- Repetitively arranging objects
- Counting frequently
- Repeating a word, phrase or prayer
- Hoarding or keeping items that have little importance
Obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms can occur in people of all
ages. Symptoms can start at any time from preschool age to adulthood.
Treatment can give individuals long-term control of their obsessive
compulsive disorder symptoms. If you think you or someone you know
may suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, learn more on the
treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder.
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